【新华社】我国科学家在可扩展量子网络研究方面取得重大突破

Core Insights - The research team from the University of Science and Technology of China has made significant breakthroughs in scalable quantum network research, constructing the basic module of a scalable quantum repeater for the first time internationally, making long-distance quantum networks a realistic possibility [1][2] - They achieved high-fidelity entanglement between single atom nodes over long distances and successfully extended the transmission distance of device-independent quantum key distribution beyond 100 kilometers, improving previous international experimental levels by more than two orders of magnitude [2] Group 1 - The ultimate goal of quantum information science is to build efficient and secure quantum networks, with long-distance deterministic quantum entanglement distribution as a fundamental element [1] - The inherent loss in optical fibers leads to an exponential decay in the efficiency of quantum entanglement transmission with distance, posing the greatest challenge in constructing scalable quantum networks [1] - The quantum repeater scheme is an effective solution to address the transmission loss in optical fibers, potentially enhancing the efficiency of entanglement distribution over 1000 kilometers by 10^20 times compared to direct transmission [1] Group 2 - The research team developed long-lived trapped ion quantum memory, high-efficiency ion-photon communication interfaces, and high-fidelity single-photon entanglement protocols, achieving long-lived quantum entanglement that significantly exceeds the time required to establish entanglement [2] - This breakthrough marks a transition from theoretical concepts of fiber-based quantum networks to realistic possibilities, indicating progress towards practical applications of quantum entanglement technology [3]